30/05/2026
Recently we were denied money for supports provided to a palliative lady, an isolated and lonely lady who was dying the best she could with roadblocks, red tape and judgement all around her.
The plan manager thought we were “dodgy” or “non-compliant”because we had two phone numbers, and two office locations on Google. The service agreement, support coordinator and participant had no luck convincing her other wise.
I told her it’s called growth - she threatened me with reporting me to the commissions and I said great do that, not a problem at all.
Whilst the school yard mentality of this lady’s priority was to “undo my dodgy claim” my focus was on making sure this lady didn’t die alone over some p**s poor way somebody wanted to manage her funds.
We got her admitted into a great hospital and she received adequate pain relief. Her fear slowly went away, with the hospital staff, visits from myself and some of my staff during our own time, we gave her the quiet gentle moments of not feeling so alone.
We laughed. We cried. We watched her enjoy her last ci******es and coffee, we purchased her favourite foods, we sat in silence, we sat in conversation and held space. We held her hand.
And I’m so proud of my team, and myself for stepping up against the black and white rules and leading with genuine compassion, and proof that human kindness can outweigh anything.
Last night this lady found her peace, and my heart is so full because she did not die alone.
Go gently now mate 🤍